Suction component generator, method for controlling suction component generator, and program therefor

ABSTRACT

Provided is a suction component generator comprising: a first suction component source for generating a first suction component; a second suction component source for generating a second suction component; a second electrical load that adjusts the amount of the second suction component that is generated from the second suction component source; and a control unit. The control unit is configured so as to control electric power that is supplied to the second electrical load on the basis of the value related to the amount of first suction components that are generated from the first suction component source.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a bypass continuation application of International Application No. PCT/JP2018/031413, filed on Aug. 24, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a suction component generator that generates a suction component sucked by a user, a method for controlling a suction component generator, and a program therefor.

BACKGROUND ART

In place of cigarettes, electrical smoking devices such as electronic cigarettes are known which allow a user to taste aerosol generated by atomizing an aerosol source with an electrical load such as a heater (PTL 1 and PTL 2).

The smoking device disclosed in PTL 1 and PTL 2 includes an aerosol source (for example, glycerol, polypropylene glycol and the like) for generating aerosol, and a flavor base material such as a tobacco base material for generating a flavor.

The smoking device disclosed in PTL 1 includes an upstream segment comprised of a tobacco filler or a processed tobacco filler including an aerosol forming material, and a downstream segment comprised of a base material such as fibers of polyethylene terephthalate carrying a flavor and/or an aerosol forming material. As disclosed in PTL 1, the aerosol having a tobacco flavor or the like is generated when the heated air passes through the upstream segment and the downstream segment.

The smoking device disclosed in PTL 2 is configured such that nicotine from tobacco leaves (tobacco base material) and smoke of the electronic cigarette from an atomizer can be taken in simultaneously. The smoking device includes a heater that heats leaves in the cigarette and a heater that is provided in the atomizer. PTL 2 discloses that these heaters are controlled separately.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 5247711

PTL 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-127300

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A first feature is a suction component generator including a first suction component source from which a first suction component is generated, a second suction component source from which a second suction component is generated, a second electrical load that adjusts an amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control electric power supplied to the second electrical load based on a value related to an amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source.

Here, the first suction component source may include both of an aerosol source and a flavor source. The second suction component source may include both of the aerosol source and the flavor source. However, when the first suction component source is one of the aerosol source and the flavor source, it is preferable that the second suction component source is the other of the aerosol source and the flavor source. Furthermore, the second electrical load may be as inclusive as possible of both of an electrical load for atomization and an electrical load for flavor (which will be described later).

A second feature is the suction component generator according to the first feature further including a first electrical load capable of adjusting the amount of the first suction component flavor generated from the first suction component source. The value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source is a measured value or an estimated value of the amount of the first suction component, electric power supplied to the first electrical load, a temperature of the first electrical load, or a time period during which the electric power is supplied to the first electrical load.

A third feature is the suction component generator according to the second feature, wherein the first electrical load is a temperature controller.

A fourth feature is the suction component generator according to the first feature further including a temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of a region in which the first suction component is generated. The value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source is a value acquired by the temperature sensor.

A fifth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to fourth features, wherein the second electrical load is a temperature controller.

A sixth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the control unit controls the second electrical load to reduce a change in the amount of the second suction component due to a change in the value related to the amount of the first suction component.

A seventh feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to sixth features, wherein the control unit controls the second electrical load to reduce a variation in the amount of the second suction component due to a variation in the value related to the amount of the first suction component.

An eighth feature is the suction component generator according to the seventh feature, wherein a set value of the value related to the amount of the first suction component is configured to be variable, and the control unit controls the second electrical load to reduce a change in the amount of the second suction component when the set value is changed.

A ninth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to eighth features further including a flow path in which at least part of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source passes through the second suction component source to reach an outlet.

A tenth feature is the suction component generator according to the ninth feature, wherein the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source is an amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source when at least part of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source passes through the second suction component source.

An eleventh feature is the suction component generator according to the ninth or tenth feature, wherein the first suction component source is an aerosol source, and the second suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor component is added to aerosol.

A twelfth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the ninth to eleventh features further including a first flow path that guides the first suction component to a suction port through the second suction component source, a second flow path that guides the first suction component to the suction port without passing through the second suction component source, and a flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts a ratio of a flow rate of the first flow path and a flow rate of the second flow path.

A thirteenth feature is the suction component generator according to the twelfth feature, wherein the control unit is configured to control the electric power supplied to the second electrical load and the flow rate adjusting unit based on a target value of the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source, and the control unit controls the flow rate adjusting unit without controlling the second electrical load when it is determined that the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source can achieve the target value by control of the flow rate adjusting unit.

A fourteenth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to eighth features further including a flow path in which at least part of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source passes through the first suction component source to reach an outlet.

A fifteenth feature is the suction component generator according to the thirteenth or fourteenth feature, wherein the second suction component source is an aerosol source, and the first suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor component is added to aerosol.

A sixteenth feature is the suction component generator according to the eleventh or fifteenth feature, wherein a set value of the value related to the amount of the first suction component is configured to be variable, and a variable range of the set value is defined by values in a range in which a predetermined amount of the flavor component is capable of being added to the aerosol.

A seventeenth feature is the suction component generator according to the eleventh feature, wherein the second electrical load is a temperature controller, a set value of a value related to an amount of the aerosol is configured to be variable, the control unit controls the temperature controller so that the smaller the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is, the higher a temperature of the flavor source is, and a lower limit of the set value is defined in a range in which the flavor source is not combusted.

An eighteenth feature is the suction component generator according to the seventeenth feature, wherein the lower limit is variable depending on a value related to an amount of a flavor component generated from the flavor source.

A nineteenth feature is the suction component generator according to the eleventh or fifteenth feature, wherein a set value of a value related to an amount of the aerosol is configured to be variable, and an upper limit of the set value is defined so that a consumption rate of the aerosol source increased due to generation of aerosol does not exceed a supply rate of the aerosol source supplied to a portion where the aerosol source is atomized.

A twentieth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to nineteenth feature having a plurality of modes that are determined according to a combination of a plurality of target values of a generation amount of the first suction component and a plurality of target values of a generation amount of the second suction component, and are selectable by a user.

A twenty-first feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the control unit is configured to control the second electrical load based on a relationship between the value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source and the value related to the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source.

A twenty-second feature is the suction component generator according to the twenty-first feature further including an adjusting unit that adjusts the value of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source. The control unit is configured to control both of the second electrical load and the adjusting unit.

A twenty-third feature is the suction component generator according to the twenty-second feature further including a flow path in which at least part of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source passes through the second suction component source to reach an outlet. The first suction component source is an aerosol source, and the second suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor component is added to aerosol. The control unit is configured to control the adjusting unit preferentially before controlling the second electrical load to achieve a predetermined amount of aerosol and a predetermined amount of a flavor.

A twenty-fourth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-third features, wherein the relationship is defined by a predetermined function or a predetermined reference table correlating the value related to the amount of the first suction component with the value related to the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source.

A twenty-fifth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fourth features, wherein the relationship varies depending on at least one of a type of the first suction component source and a type of the second suction component source.

A twenty-sixth feature is a method for controlling a suction component generator that includes a first suction component source from which a first suction component is generated, a second suction component source from which a second suction component is generated, and a second electrical load that adjusts an amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source, the method including controlling electric power supplied to the second electrical load based on a value related to an amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source.

A twenty-seventh feature is a program for causing a suction component generator to execute the method according to the twenty-sixth feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a suction component generator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a suction sensor according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a flow rate adjusting unit according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a suction component generator.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control in the suction component generator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a combination of a target value of a flavor component and a target value of an amount of aerosol.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of control in the suction component generator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of a relationship between the target value of the flavor component and the target value of the amount of the aerosol.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of control in the suction component generator according to one embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will be described below. Note that the same or similar parts are denoted with the same or similar reference signs in the description of the drawings below. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and each ratio in dimension may be different from an actual ratio.

Therefore, for example, specific dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. Needless to say, the drawings may include parts which are different, in terms of the relation or ratio in dimension, from each other.

[Overview of Disclosure]

A smoking device disclosed in PTL 1 generates aerosol having a tobacco flavor or the like. However, since an amount of a tobacco flavor with respect to an amount of the aerosol is determined according to the design of the device, it is difficult to change the amount of the aerosol and the amount of the tobacco flavor independently of each other.

PTL 2 discloses that a heater that heats leaves in a cigarette and a heater that is provided in an atomizer are controlled separately. However, in PTL 2, there is little specific description as to how these heaters are controlled.

According to one embodiment, a suction component generator includes a first suction component source from which a first suction component is generated, a second suction component source from which a second suction component is generated, an electrical load with which the second suction component is generated from the second suction component source, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control electric power supplied to the electrical load based on a value related to an amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source.

According to one embodiment, a method for controlling a suction component generator is a method for controlling a suction component generator that includes a first suction component source from which a first suction component is generated, a second suction component source from which a second suction component is generated, and a second electrical load with which the second suction component is generated from the second suction component source, the method including controlling electric power supplied to the second electrical load based on a value related to an amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source.

A program according to one embodiment causes a suction component generator to execute the above-described method.

According to the above-described embodiment, the electric power supplied to the second electrical load is controlled based on the value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source, so that an amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source is adjusted. In this way, the amount of the second suction component included in the first suction component is made variable appropriately depending on the amount of the first suction component. In particular, when the amount of the first suction component affects the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source, the electric power supplied to the second electrical load is controlled based on the value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source, whereby the amount of the second suction component can be adjusted appropriately.

Accordingly, for example, an amount of a flavor component (the second suction component) in aerosol (the first suction component) can be adjusted appropriately based on a value related to an amount of the aerosol. As a specific example, the amount of the aerosol can also increase or decrease, while the amount of the flavor component is maintained to be constant. In this case, for example, a user can taste desired flavor by maintaining the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol to be constant while reducing the amount of the aerosol in consideration of surrounding people.

Note that in the smoking device disclosed in PTL 2, nicotine is generated from tobacco leaves (a tobacco base material), and smoke of an electronic cigarette generated by an atomizer is added to air including the nicotine. That is, the smoke of the electronic cigarette is generated on the downstream side of the generation of the nicotine. In this case, the amount of the smoke (aerosol) of the electronic cigarette depends on only output of a heater in the atomization unit, and the amount of the tobacco flavor component depends on only output of a heater for tobacco. Accordingly, it should be noted that PTL 2 does not disclose the technical idea of adjusting the output of the heater for tobacco based on the amount of the smoke of the electronic cigarette or adjusting the output of the heater in the atomization unit based on the amount of the tobacco flavor component.

(Suction Component Generator)

Hereinafter, a suction component generator according to one embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating a suction component generator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a suction sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a flow rate adjusting unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a suction component generator.

A suction component generator 100 may be a non-combustion type flavor inhaler for sucking a flavor without combustion. The suction component generator 100 may be preferably a portable flavor inhaler. The suction component generator 100 may have a shape extending along a predetermined direction A that is a direction toward a suction port end E1 from a non-suction port end E2. In this case, the suction component generator 100 may include one end E1 having a suction port 141 through which a user sucks a flavor and the other end E2 on a side opposite to the suction port 141.

The suction component generator 100 may include a power source unit 110 and an atomization unit 120. The atomization unit 120 may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the power source unit 110 via mechanical connection portions 111, 121. When the atomization unit 120 and the power source unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, an electrical load 122R for atomization and an electrical load 124R for flavor (which will be described later) in the atomization unit 120 are electrically connected to a power source 10 provided in the power source unit 110.

The atomization unit 120 includes an aerosol source (a suction component source) to be sucked by a user, and the electrical load 122R for atomization that atomizes the aerosol source upon receipt of electric power from the power source 10.

The electrical load 122R for atomization is an element capable of adjusting an amount of aerosol (an amount of a suction component) generated from the aerosol source in response to the electric power supplied thereto. For example, the electrical load 122R for atomization may be a temperature controller 122 for atomization. As an example, the electrical load 122R for atomization forming the temperature controller 122 for atomization may be a resistance heating element.

Hereinafter, a more detailed example of the atomization unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The atomization unit 120 may include a reservoir 122P, a wick 122Q, and the electrical load 122R for atomization. The reservoir 122P may be configured to reserve a liquid aerosol source. The reservoir 122P may be, for example, a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 122Q may be a liquid retaining member that transports the aerosol source to the vicinity of the electrical load 122R for atomization from the reservoir 122P using a capillary phenomenon. The wick 122Q can be made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

The electrical load 122R for atomization heats the aerosol source retained in the wick 122Q. The electrical load 122R for atomization is formed by, for example, a resistance heating element (for example, a heating wire) wound around the wick 122Q.

The electrical load 122R for atomization may be, for example, the temperature controller 122 such as an electric heater. Alternatively, the electrical load 122R for atomization may be a temperature controller having a function of heating and cooling the aerosol source retained in the wick 122Q.

Air having flowed from an inlet 125 through a flow path 127 passes near the electrical load 122R for atomization in the atomization unit 120. The aerosol generated at the electrical load 122R for atomization flows toward the suction port 141 together with the air.

The aerosol source may be a liquid at normal temperature. Examples of the aerosol source to be used can include polyhydric alcohols. The aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from the tobacco raw material, which releases a smoking flavor component when it is heated.

The liquid aerosol source at normal temperature is described in detail as an example in the embodiment described above, but a solid aerosol source at normal temperature can be used alternatively. In this case, the electrical load 122R for atomization may be in contact with or close to the solid aerosol source to generate the aerosol from the solid aerosol source.

The atomization unit 120 may include a flavor unit 130 configured to be replaceable. The flavor unit 130 may include a cylindrical body 131 that accommodates the flavor source (suction component source). The cylindrical body 131 may include a membrane member 133 and a filter 132 through which air or aerosol can pass. The flavor source may be provided in a space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132.

The suction component generator 100 includes flow paths 127 and 128 in which at least part of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source passes through the flavor source to reach an outlet. In this way, the flavor source in the flavor unit 130 adds the flavor component to the aerosol generated with the electrical load 122R for atomization in the atomization unit 120. The flavor component added to the aerosol by the flavor source is carried to the suction port 141 of the suction component generator 100.

The flavor source in the flavor unit 130 may be solid at normal temperature. As an example, the flavor source includes a raw material piece of a plant material that adds the smoking flavor component to the aerosol. As the raw material piece included in the flavor source, a compact obtained by forming the tobacco material such as shredded tobacco or a tobacco raw material into a grain shape can be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a compact obtained by forming the tobacco material into a sheet shape. In addition, the raw material piece included in the flavor source may be formed by plants (for example, mint and herb) other than tobacco. The flavor source may be added with a flavoring agent such as menthol.

The flavor source may be accommodated in the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132 to be freely flowable. In this case, the flavor source flows in the flavor unit 130 during use, and is less unevenly distributed to contact the electrical load 124R for flavor, thereby enabling stable release of the flavor component.

Alternatively, the flavor source may be substantially fixed in the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132. In this case, the heat can be effectively transferred from the electrical load 124R for flavor to the flavor source.

The electrical load 124R for flavor provided in the atomization unit 120 may be positioned around the cylindrical body 131 of the flavor unit 130 attached to the atomization unit 120. The electrical load 124R for flavor may be configured to be capable of adjusting the amount of the flavor (suction component) generated from the flavor source. The electrical load 124R for flavor may be an element capable of adjusting the amount of the flavor generated from the flavor source in response to the electric power supplied thereto. For example, the electrical load 124R for flavor may be a temperature controller 124 that can adjust the temperature of the flavor source. The temperature controller 124 may include a resistance heating element. Alternatively, the temperature controller 124 may be, for example, a cooling element such as a Peltier element. In addition, the temperature controller 124 may be an element that can perform both heating and cooling.

A heat insulating material 126 may be provided outside of the electrical load 124R for flavor. This can prevent excessive increase in the temperature difference between a temperature of an outer edge of the suction component generator 100 and an outdoor temperature. That is, the outer edge of the suction component generator 100 can be prevented from becoming too cold or too hot. In addition, the heat insulating material 126 can also reduce the heat transfer loss from the electrical load 124R for flavor, which enables the temperature to be adjusted in an energy-saving manner.

The suction component generator 100 may include a mouthpiece having the suction port through which a user sucks a suction component. The mouthpiece may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the atomization unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or may be configured integrally with them.

The suction component generator 100, specifically, the atomization unit 120 may include a first flow path 128 that guides the aerosol to the suction port 141 through the flavor source, and a second flow path 129 that guides the aerosol to the suction port 141 without passing through the flavor source. The aerosol flowing through the second flow path 129 reaches the suction port 141 without addition of the flavor from the flavor source. In this case, the atomization unit 120 may include a flow rate adjusting unit 730 that adjusts a ratio of a flow rate of the first flow path 128 and a flow rate of the second flow path 129. The flow rate adjusting unit 730 is provided between the atomization unit 120 and the flavor unit 130, i.e., near a boundary between the atomization unit 120 and the flavor unit 130. This enables the amount of the aerosol passing through the flavor source to be adjusted regardless of the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120, whereby the ratio of the aerosol and the flavor component that are included in gas reaching the suction port 141 can be controlled with regarding the case where the whole amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 passes through the flavor source as the maximum limit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the flow rate adjusting unit 730 according to one embodiment. The flow rate adjusting unit 730 may include two columnar members 731A and 731B that are arranged coaxially with each other. The first columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B may be configured to be individually rotatable about a rotational axis C. The first columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B may have a through hole 760A and a through hole 760B formed at the rotational axis, respectively. In this way, at least part of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 flows into the first flow path 128 in the flavor unit 130 through the through hole 760A and the through hole 760B in the flow rate adjusting unit 730.

The first columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B may have another through holes 760A and 760B formed about the rotational axis to pass therethrough in a predetermined direction A, respectively. An area where these holes 760A and 760B overlap with each other varies depending on the relative positional relationship between the first columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B in a rotational direction. That is, the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 flows into the second flow path 129 outside the flavor unit 130 according to the relative positional relationship between the first columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B in the rotational direction. In this way, the flow rate adjusting unit 730 can adjust the ratio of the flow rate of the first flow path 128 and the flow rate of the second flow path 129.

The power source unit 110 may include the power source 10 and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 may include a memory 52 that stores information required to perform various controls required for the operation of the suction component generator 100. The control unit 50 may include, as necessary, a notification unit that issues notification for notifying a user of various kinds of information. The notification unit may be, for example, a light emitting element that generates light like an LED, an element that generates sound, or a vibrator that generates vibration. Alternatively, the notification unit may be configured by combining the elements each generating light, sound, or vibration.

The power source 10 stores electric power required for the operation of the suction component generator 100. The power source 10 may be attachable to and detachable from the power source unit 110. The power source 10 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

The control unit 50 may perform various controls required for the operation of the suction component generator 100. For example, the control unit 50 may control the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor from the power source 10. In addition, the control unit 50 may operate the above-described flow rate adjusting unit 730 automatically and electrically. For example, in the embodiment in which the flow rate adjusting unit 730 is configured as illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 50 causes at least one of the first columnar member 731A and the second columnar member 731B to rotate about the rotational axis C.

The control unit 50 may include a suction detection unit that detects a suction request operation by a user. The suction detection unit may be, for example, a suction sensor 20 that detects a suction action of the user. Alternatively, the suction detection unit may be, for example, a push button pressed by the user.

When the suction detection unit detects the suction request operation, the control unit 50 generates a command for operating the electrical load 122R for atomization and/or the electrical load 124R for flavor. The control unit 50 is configured to make electric power variable depending on a mode specified by a user or an environment, the electric power being supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor.

The control unit 50 preferably supplies the electric power in the form of a power pulse to the electrical load 122R for atomization and/or the electrical load 124R for flavor. In this way, the control unit 50 can control the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and/or the electrical load 124R for flavor by adjusting a duty ratio of pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM).

When the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization, the temperature of the temperature controller 122 for atomization rises, and the aerosol source is vaporized or atomized to thereby generate the aerosol. When the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 124R for flavor, the temperature of the temperature controller 124 for flavor changes, and the amount of the flavor component released from the flavor source changes in response to the temperature change.

The suction component generator 100 may include, as necessary, a temperature sensor 150 that can estimate or acquire the temperature of the aerosol source or the temperature controller 122 for atomization, and a temperature sensor 160 that can estimate or acquire the temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor.

The suction sensor 20 may be configured to output an output value that varies depending on suction from the suction port. Specifically, the suction sensor 20 may be a sensor that outputs a value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) that changes according to the flow rate of air (i.e., a user's puff action) sucked from the non-suction port side toward the suction port side. Examples of such a sensor include, for example, a condenser microphone sensor, and a known flow rate sensor.

FIG. 3 illustrates a specific example of the suction sensor 20. The suction sensor 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a sensor body 21, a cover 22, and a substrate 23. The sensor body 21 is comprised of, for example, a capacitor. An electric capacity of the sensor body 21 changes due to vibration (pressure) generated by air sucked from an inlet 125 (i.e., air sucked from the non-suction port side toward the suction port side). The cover 22 is provided on the suction port side with respect to the sensor body 21, and has an opening 40. Providing the cover 22 having the opening 40 allows the electric capacity of the sensor body 21 to be changed easily, and improves the response characteristic of the sensor body 21. The substrate 23 outputs a value (here, a voltage value) indicating the electric capacity of the sensor body 21 (capacitor).

The suction component generator 100 may include an input unit 200 and a display unit 210. The input unit 200 may be configured to input various commands from the user. The input unit 200 may be, for example, a touch-panel type screen or a push button for operation. The display unit 210 may be a screen for displaying various kinds of information to a user.

The input unit 200 may be used to select a mode (which will be described later), for example. In addition, the input unit 200 may be used to set a target value of the aerosol to be generated and/or a target value of a flavor component to be generated. It is only required that the control unit 50 adjusts an amount of the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and/or the electrical load 124R for flavor based on these target values.

(Control 1 of Electrical Load)

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the suction component generator according to one embodiment. In the present embodiment, a user sets a target value of the amount of the aerosol before starting the suction action (step S301). A target value A of the amount of the aerosol may be selected among a plurality of options (modes), or may be set by a specific numeral value. The control unit 50 determines the electric power or the amount of the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization based on the target value A of the amount of the aerosol (step S302).

Note that in step S301, the target value of the amount of the aerosol is set. Alternatively, a value related to the amount of the aerosol may be set. The value related to the amount of the aerosol may be, for example, a temperature of the temperature controller 122 for atomization, electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization, or a time period during which the electric power is supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization.

The user sets a target value Y of the flavor component (step S303). Then, the control unit 50 determines a target temperature of the temperature controller 124 for flavor (step S304). More specifically, it is only required that the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor, i.e., the target temperature of the temperature controller 124 for flavor based on the target value A of the amount of the aerosol and the target value Y of the flavor component.

Note that in step S303, the target value of the amount of the flavor component is set. Alternatively, a value related to the amount of the flavor component may be set. The value related to the amount of the flavor component may be, for example, a temperature of the temperature controller 124 for flavor, electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor, a time period during which the electric power is supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor, or an amount of the aerosol adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit 730 to pass through the flavor source, specifically, an opening degree of the second flow path 129 adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit 730.

The amount of the flavor component generated in the aerosol may vary depending on the amount of the aerosol passing through the flavor source and the temperature of the flavor source. For example, as the amount of the aerosol passing through the flavor source increases, the amount of the flavor component generated in the aerosol increases. In addition, as the temperature of the flavor source rises, the amount of the flavor component generated in the aerosol increases. Accordingly, the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor (the second electrical load) based on the target value of the amount of the aerosol (the amount of the first suction component). In this way, the control unit 50 can control the amount of the flavor component included in the amount of the aerosol independently of the amount of the aerosol.

Upon detection of the start of a suction cycle after determining the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor, the control unit 50 estimates or measures the temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor (steps S305 and S306). The suction cycle can be detected when the push button is pressed by the user, for example. Note that the suction cycle is a cycle that is performed in a state where the temperature controller 122 for atomization and/or the temperature controller 124 for flavor can be operated by a user's suction action and may include one or a plurality of times of user's suction actions. In addition, the suction action means a user's operation such as pressing the push button or sucking from the suction port.

The temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor can be estimated or measured by the temperature sensor 160. Alternatively, when the temperature controller 124 for flavor is a heater including a resistance heating element, the control unit 50 can estimate the temperature of the resistance heating element by estimating an electric resistance value from an amount of voltage drop in the resistance heating element. Note that the amount of the voltage drop in the resistance heating element can be measured by a known voltage sensor.

The control unit 50 determines whether the temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor is away from the target temperature T_(target) by more than a predetermined value Δ (step S307). When the temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor is away from the target temperature T_(target) by more than a predetermined value Δ, the control unit 50 supplies the electric power to the temperature controller 124 for flavor, and controls to maintain the temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor near the target temperature (step S308). The predetermined value Δ is an allowable value of an error in the temperature and is set in a range of not less than several ° C. and less than 10° C., for example.

When a difference between the temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor and the target temperature T_(target) is equal to or less than the predetermined value Δ, it is not necessary to supply the electric power to the temperature controller 124 for flavor. This enables power saving of the suction component generator.

The control unit 50 monitors the presence or absence of the user's suction action after determining the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor (step S309). The user's suction action can be detected by, for example, the above-described suction sensor 20.

When the user's suction action is detected, the control unit 50 supplies the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization (the adjusting unit) and heats the temperature controller 122 for atomization (step S310). In this way, the aerosol is generated from the atomization unit. When the aerosol generated in the atomization unit passes through the flavor source, the flavor is added to the aerosol. Thus, the user sucks the aerosol with the flavor added.

Upon detection of the completion of the suction action (step S311), the control unit 50 stops the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization (step S312). Here, the completion of the suction action can be detected by the suction sensor 20. Note that even when the user's suction action has been completed, the control unit 50 may continue the supply of the electric power to the temperature controller 124 for flavor so that the temperature of the flavor source is maintained at the target temperature until the suction cycle is completed.

Furthermore, the control unit 50 may stop the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization even at a timing other than when the completion of the suction action is detected. For example, the control unit 50 may stop the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization when the user continues the suction action for a very long time period or when the abnormality of the electrical load 122R for atomization or the power source 10 is detected.

Upon detection of the completion of the suction action (step S313), it is only required that the control unit 50 stops the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 124R for flavor (step S314). The control unit 50 may determine that the suction cycle is completed when a predetermined push button is pressed by the user or when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the completion of the previous suction action, for example. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may determine that the suction cycle is completed when the suction action has been detected a predetermined number of times during one suction cycle or when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of the suction cycle.

In the above-described control flow, the timings when the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization is started and completed and the timings when the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 124R for flavor is started and completed are different from one another. Alternatively, the start timings of the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor may be the same as each other and/or the completion timings of the supply of the electric power to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor may be the same as each other.

In step S304 described above, the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor (the second electrical load) based on the target value of the amount of the aerosol (the amount of the first suction component). However, this is not limitation, and the control unit 50 may be configured to control the electric power supplied to the electrical load 124R for flavor based on the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source.

The value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source may be a measured value or an estimated value of the amount of the aerosol, electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization, a temperature of the electrical load 122R for atomization, a time period during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization, or an amount of the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization. In addition, the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source may be a value acquired by the temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of a region in which the aerosol is generated. Furthermore, the value related to the amount of the aerosol may be an amount itself of the aerosol. Even in these cases, the amount of the flavor component included in the amount of the aerosol can be controlled independently of the amount of the aerosol.

According to the control flow illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 50 is configured to control the temperature controller 124 for flavor based on a relationship between the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source.

The relationship may be defined by a reference table correlating the value related to the amount of the aerosol with the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source. That is, in the case where the user sets the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source, it is only required that the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor with reference to the reference table stored in the memory 52. That is, in the case where the user sets the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source, it is only required that the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor based on the reference table stored in the memory 52.

Alternatively, the relationship may be defined by a predetermined function correlating the value related to the amount of the aerosol with the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source. That is, in the case where the user sets the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source, it is only required that the control unit 50 calculates the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor based on the predetermined function stored in the memory 52. The predetermined function can be determined by, for example, experiment which has been performed in advance. Using the predetermined function, the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor can be continuously determined according to any combination of the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source.

The above-described relationship may vary depending on at least one of the types of the aerosol source and the type of the flavor source. Here, the type of the aerosol source and the type of the flavor source may be determined by a difference in composition between the aerosol and the flavor source. This is because the relationship between the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source may vary depending on the difference in composition between the aerosol source and the flavor source.

According to the above-described embodiment, the user sets both of the target value of the amount of the aerosol and the target value of the flavor component. In this case, it is preferable that the set value of the amount of the aerosol and/or the set value of the flavor component have a desired upper limit and/or lower limit.

For example, it is preferable that variable ranges of the set value of the amount of the aerosol and/or the set value of the amount of the flavor component are defined by values in a range in which a predetermined amount of the flavor component can be added to the aerosol. In this way, the flavor component having an amount in a predetermined range can be added to the aerosol regardless of the amount of the aerosol. Accordingly, the user can suck the desired flavor regardless of the amount of the aerosol.

It is preferable that the upper limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the flavor component is less than a combustion temperature of the flavor source. This can prevent the flavor source to be heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the combustion temperature of the flavor source. Specifically, when the tobacco raw material is used as the flavor source, the upper limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the flavor component may be defined by a value corresponding to the temperature of the temperature controller 124 for flavor which is 200° C., preferably 150° C.

It is preferable that the upper limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the flavor component is a value corresponding to the boiling point of the aerosol source or lower. In this way, the temperature of the flavor source is maintained to be equal to or lower than the boiling point of the aerosol source. This can prevent reduction in the amount of the aerosol caused by re-evaporation and diffusion of the aerosol passing through the flavor source. Note that the upper limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the flavor component may be variable depending on the set value of the value related to the amount of the aerosol as shown in FIG. 7.

When the aerosol source includes a plurality of aerosol precursors, e.g., glycerol and polypropylene glycol, the “boiling point of the aerosol source” may be defined by a boiling point of a component having the largest weight percent included in the aerosol source. Alternatively, the “boiling point of the aerosol source” may be defined by a boiling point of a component having the lowest boiling point among single components in the plurality of aerosol precursors. For example, when the aerosol source includes glycerol and polypropylene glycol, the boiling point of the aerosol source may be defined to be about 190° C. which is the boiling point of polypropylene glycol. In addition, when the content of glycerol is more than that of polypropylene glycol, the boiling point of the aerosol source may be defined to be about 250° C. which is the boiling point of glycerol.

From the viewpoint of preventing reduction in the amount of the aerosol caused by re-evaporation and diffusion of the aerosol, it is preferable that the temperature of the flavor source is maintained to equal to or lower than about 250° C., about 190° C. or about 100° C. (the boiling point of water). Accordingly, when it is determined that the temperature of the flavor source is not maintained to be the upper limit temperature, the temperature being determined according to the set values of the amount of the aerosol and/or the amount of flavor component, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 210 to display an error, to prompt the user to change these set values.

The lower limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the flavor component may be, for example, a value corresponding to −10° C. or higher, preferably 0° C. or higher, and more preferably 10° C. or higher. This can prevent the aerosol passing through the flavor source from condensing in the air flow path, and can prevent reduction in the amount of the aerosol that reaches the suction port. Note that the lower limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the flavor component may be variable depending on the set value of the value related to the amount of the aerosol as shown in FIG. 7.

It is preferable that the upper limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the aerosol is defined so that a consumption rate of the aerosol source increased due to the generation of the aerosol does not exceed a supply rate of the aerosol source supplied to a portion where the aerosol source is atomized. In the embodiment in which the temperature controller 124 for flavor is controlled so that the smaller the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is, the higher the temperature of the flavor source is, it is preferable that the lower limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the aerosol is defined in a range in which the flavor source is not combusted. The upper limit and/or lower limit of the value related to the amount of the aerosol may be variable depending on the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source (also see FIG. 7).

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a combination of the target value of the flavor component and the target value of the amount of the aerosol. A boundary line between a region R2 and a region R3 is a line indicating values that an amount Y of the flavor component and an amount A of the aerosol can take when the output of the temperature controller 122 for atomization is changed without operating the temperature controller 124 for flavor at a certain ambient temperature. Accordingly, in the case where the user sets the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol as indicated by a point P2, it is only required that the control unit 50 operates the temperature controller 122 for atomization without operating the temperature controller 124 for flavor.

Note that in addition to the case where the user sets the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol corresponding to a point on the boundary line between the region R2 and the region R3 as shown in FIG. 7, it is only required that the control unit 50 operates the temperature controller 122 for atomization without operating the temperature controller 124 for flavor even when the user sets the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol corresponding to the inside of a belt-like line having a predetermined width from the boundary line. It should be noted that a width of the belt-like line (a width in the vertical axis direction in FIG. 7) in which the temperature controller 124 for flavor is not required to be operated is related to the double (24) of the predetermined value Δ in step S307 of the control flow illustrated in FIG. 6.

The region R2 is a region in which the amount of the flavor component included in the aerosol is greater than the case where the temperature controller 124 for flavor is not operated. Accordingly, in the case where the user sets the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol as indicated by a point P3, it is only required that the control unit 50 operates both of the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the temperature controller 124 for flavor.

A boundary line between the region R2 and a region R1 indicates the upper limit of the amount of the aerosol and the upper limit of the amount of the flavor component. The upper limit of the amount of the flavor component may be set as described above. In this case, when the user sets the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol as indicated by a point P4, the control unit 50 can cause the display unit 210 to display an error to thereby prompt the user to change the set values.

The region R3 is a region in which the amount of the flavor component included in the aerosol is smaller than the case where the temperature controller 124 for flavor is not operated. In this case, the control unit 50 causes the above-described flow rate adjusting unit 730 to be operated, whereby the desired amount Y of the flavor component and the desired amount A of the aerosol which are included in the region R3 can be achieved. For example, when the flow rate adjusting unit 730 causes a part of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 to pass through the second flow path 129, the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol can be reduced. In this way, the control unit 50 may be configured not only to control the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor based on the target value of the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source but also to control the flow rate adjusting unit 730 based on the target value. More specifically, the control unit 50 may control both of the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor and the flow rate adjusting unit 730 to generate the desired amount of the flavor component and the desired amount of the aerosol.

When it is determined that the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source can achieve the target value by control of the flow rate adjusting unit 730, the control unit 50 may control the flow rate adjusting unit 730 without controlling the temperature controller 124 for flavor. The control of the flow rate adjusting unit 730 has smaller power consumption than the control of the temperature controller 124 for flavor. Accordingly, it is preferable that the amount of the flavor component is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit 730 preferentially before the temperature controller 124 for flavor is driven.

In the case where the user sets the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the aerosol as indicated by a point P1 in FIG. 7, it is only required that the control unit 50 operates the temperature controller 122 for atomization while reducing the amount of the aerosol passing through the first flow path 128 using the flow rate adjusting unit 730. Alternatively, to reduce the amount Y of the flavor component, the flavor source may be cooled by the temperature controller 124 for flavor having a cooling function.

In the above-described example, the predetermined target value in the region R3, e.g., the point P1 can be achieved using the flow rate adjusting unit 730. Alternatively, the predetermined target value in the region R3 can be achieved by the temperature controller 124 for flavor having the cooling function. That is, the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol can be reduced by lowering the temperature of the flavor source using the temperature controller 124 for flavor. This can achieve the predetermined target value in the region R3 with a low ratio of the flavor component to the amount of the aerosol.

A boundary line between the region R3 and a region R4 indicates the lower limit of the amount of the flavor component or the lower limit of the amount of the aerosol in the case where the flow rate adjusting unit 730 is not used. The lower limit of the amount of the flavor component or the lower limit of the amount of the aerosol may be set as described above. Accordingly, when the amount Y of the flavor component and the amount A of the amount of the aerosol which are included in the region R4 are set, the control unit 50 can cause the display unit 210 to display an error to thereby prompt the user to change the set values.

Alternatively, the target value of the amount of the aerosol and the target value of the amount of the flavor component in the region R4 can be achieved by use of the flow rate adjusting unit 730 or combined use of the flow rate adjusting unit 730 and the cooling of the temperature controller 124 for flavor.

For example, the control unit 50 controls so that a large amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120 passes through the second flow path 129 to significantly reduce the amount of the aerosol passing through the first flow path, thereby enabling significant reduction in the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol. This can achieve the target value of the amount of the aerosol and the target value of the amount of the flavor component in the region R4.

Alternatively, the target value of the amount of the aerosol and the target value of the amount of the flavor component in the region R4 can be achieved by lowering the temperature of the flavor source using the temperature controller 124 for flavor and reducing the amount of the aerosol passing through the first flow path using the flow rate adjusting unit 730.

As to the combination of the target value of the flavor component and the target value of the amount of the aerosol in FIG. 7, the aerosol (smoke) discharged from the suction component generator is invisible or less visible in a region in which the target value of the amount of the aerosol is small. An operation mode of the suction component generator with respect to such a target value is also referred to as a “smokeless mode”. The smokeless mode can be established by, for example, not operating the temperature controller 122 for atomization or maintaining the amount of the heat to be applied by the temperature controller 122 for atomization at a low value.

In the case where the electric power is not supplied substantially to both of the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the temperature controller 124 for flavor, a mode is established in which the amount A of the aerosol is “0” on the boundary line between the regions R2 and R3 as shown in FIG. 7. That is, even in the case where the electric power is not supplied substantially to both of the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the temperature controller 124 for flavor, the user can suck some amount of flavor component as shown in FIG. 7. In other words, another embodiment is also conceivable in which the electric power is not supplied substantially to both of the temperature controller 122 for atomization and the temperature controller 124 for flavor depending on the set value of the amount Y of the flavor component.

(Control 2 of Electrical Load)

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the suction component generator according to one embodiment. In the present embodiment, the control unit 50 controls to maintain the amount of the flavor component included in the aerosol to be constant. The amount of the flavor component may be set in advance or may be set by a user before the suction action.

Firstly, the user sets a target value of the amount of the aerosol before starting the suction action (step S301). A target value A of the amount of the aerosol may be selected among a plurality of options (modes), or may be set by a specific numeral value. The control unit 50 determines the electric power or the amount of the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization based on the target value A of the amount of the aerosol (step S302).

Next, the control unit 50 determines a target temperature of the temperature controller 124 for flavor according to the target value A of the amount of the aerosol (the amount of the first suction component) (step S304). More specifically, the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor based on the target value A of the amount of the aerosol, so that the amount of the flavor amount generated in the aerosol is maintained to be constant.

Steps S305 to S314 after this are the same as the control flow illustrated in FIG. 6, and thus specific description will be omitted.

Here, in the case where the target value of the amount of the aerosol is changed even during the suction cycle, it is preferable that the control unit 50 returns the process to step S301 to perform the control again. At this time, the control unit 50 may maintain the target value of the flavor component included in the aerosol to be constant.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the relationship between the target value of the flavor component and the target value of the amount of the aerosol. A solid line in FIG. 9 represents the target value of the flavor component. A dotted line in FIG. 9 represents the target value of the amount of the aerosol. As shown in FIG. 9, in the case where the target value of the amount of the aerosol is changed while maintaining the target value of the flavor component to be constant, it is only required that the temperature of the flavor component, i.e., the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor is changed in response to the changed target value of the amount of the aerosol.

In step S304 described above, the control unit 50 determines the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 124 for flavor based on the target value of the amount of the aerosol (the amount of the first suction component). However, this is not limitation, and the control unit 50 may be configured to control the electric power supplied to the electrical load 124R for flavor based on the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. The value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is as described above.

In the control flow, the amount of the flavor component included in the aerosol can be maintained to be constant even when the amount of the aerosol is changed. Accordingly, a constant amount of the flavor component can be maintained even when the amount of the aerosol is reduced or eliminated due to the suction, whereby the user can enjoy taste the flavor without sacrificing the flavor. Thus, the user can reduce the amount of the aerosol when a person is approaching the user during flavor suction, whereby the visible amount of the aerosol can be reduced without sacrificing the flavor.

In the control flow illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit 50 controls to maintain the amount of the flavor component included in the aerosol to be constant. However, this is not limitation, and it is only required that the control unit 50 controls the electrical load 124 for flavor (the second electrical load) to reduce the change in the amount of the flavor component due to the change in the value related to the amount of the aerosol when the set value of the amount of the aerosol is changed. That is, the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol is not necessarily maintained to be constant, and needs to be controlled to reduce the change in the amount of the flavor component. For example, it is only required that the flavor component is maintained preferably within ±20% of the target value, and more preferably within ±10% of the target value.

In addition to the case where the set value of the amount of the aerosol is changed, the control unit 50 may control the electrical load 124 for flavor (the second electrical load) to reduce a variation in the amount of the flavor source due to a variation in the value related to the amount of the aerosol.

In the case where the control unit 50 controls to reduce the change in the amount of the flavor component as in the control flow illustrated in FIG. 8, it is only required that the control unit 50 controls the temperature controller 124 for flavor so that the smaller the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is, the higher the temperature of the flavor source is. In this case, it is preferable that the lower limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the aerosol is defined in a range in which the flavor source is not combusted, for example. In addition, the upper limit of the set value of the value related to the amount of the aerosol can be determined in the same manner as the above-described description.

(Control 3 of Electrical Load)

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the suction component generator according to one embodiment. In the present embodiment, the control unit 50 sets a value (t) of a timer to “0” before detecting a user's suction action (step S100). Note that the timing when the value (t) of the timer is set to “0” may be, for example, a timing when the flavor unit 130 is replaced.

Next, the control unit 50 determines as to whether the user's suction action has been detected (step S309). As described above, the control unit 50 can determine the user's suction action based on an output signal from the suction sensor 20. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may determine the user's suction action when the push button is pressed by the user.

Upon detection of the user's suction action, the control unit 50 estimates or acquires the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source (step S104). The value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source may be a measured value or an estimated value of the amount of the flavor component, a temperature of the flavor source or the temperature controller 124 for flavor, electric power supplied to the electrical load for atomization, a temperature of the electrical load for atomization, or a time period during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load for atomization.

In a specific example, the control unit 50 acquires the temperature of the flavor source or the electrical load 124R for flavor and a cumulative time period during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization, as the values related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source. The temperature of the flavor source or the electrical load 124R for flavor can be acquired by, for example, the temperature sensor 160. Alternatively, the temperature of the electrical load 124R for flavor can be estimated from an amount of voltage drop in the electrical load 124R for flavor as described above. Furthermore, the cumulative time period during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization can be measured by measuring, using the timer, the time period during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization. The cumulative time period during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization is one of specific examples for estimating a value related to a cumulative amount of the aerosol passing through the flavor source.

The amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source mainly depends on the amount of aerosol passing through the flavor source and the temperature of the flavor source. The amount of the flavor component released from the flavor source gradually decreases every time the suction action is repeated, even under the same conditions of the amount of the aerosol and the temperature of the flavor source. Accordingly, the control unit 50 can estimate the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source based on the temperature of the flavor source or the electrical load 124R for flavor and the cumulative time period during which the electric power is supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization.

Next, the control unit 50 determines the electric power or the amount of the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization based on the value related to the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source (step S106). For example, it is only required that the control unit 50 determines the electric power or the amount of the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization (the second electrical load) so that the estimated value of the amount of the flavor component generated from the flavor source is constant.

That is, the control unit 50 controls to maintain the amount of the flavor component generated in the aerosol to be constant by adjusting the amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 120. However, this is not limitation, and the control unit 50 may control the electrical load 122R for atomization to reduce a change or variation in the amount of the flavor component. That is, the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol is not necessarily maintained to be constant, and needs to be controlled to reduce the change in the amount of the flavor component.

Then, the control unit 50 turns on the timer (step S108), and starts the supply of the electric power to the temperature controller 122 for atomization based on the electric power or the amount of the electric power determined in step S106 (step S110). The timer can measure the cumulative time period during which the electric power is supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization.

Upon detection of the completion of the suction action (step S311), the control unit 50 stops the supply of the electric power to the temperature controller 122 for atomization (step S312). Then, the control unit 50 stops the timer (step S116).

Note that when the value of the timer is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 50 monitors the user's suction action. Upon detection of the user's suction action, the control unit 50 repeats step S104 and its subsequent steps again.

When the value of the timer exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit 50 may use the notification unit to notify the user that the flavor unit needs to be replaced with new one.

(Program and Storage Medium)

The control unit 50 can execute the flows described with reference to FIGS. 6, 8, and 10. That is, the control unit 50 may include a program that causes the suction component generator 100 to execute the above-described method, and a storage medium in which the program is stored. Such a storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium.

Other Embodiments

Although the present invention has been described by the embodiments described above, it should not be understood that the descriptions and the drawings that form a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

From the embodiments described above, it is understood that the control unit 50 may be configured to control the electric power supplied to the electrical load 124R for flavor based on the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may be configured to control the electric power supplied to the electrical load 122R for atomization based on the value related to the amount of the flavor generated from the flavor source.

In the above-described control 2 of the electrical load, the control unit 50 controls to maintain the amount of the flavor component included in the aerosol to be generally constant. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may control the temperature controller for atomization and/or the temperature controller for flavor so that the amount of the flavor component in the aerosol is variable while the amount of the aerosol is maintained to be constant. In this case, the control unit 50 performs the above-described control in combination with the control of the flow rate adjusting unit as necessary. The control unit 50 controls so that the amount of the aerosol is maintained preferably within ±20% of the target value, and more preferably within ±10% of the target value, for example. In this way, the user can enjoy the change in the flavor almost without changing the amount of the aerosol. Note that since the amount of the aerosol and the amount of the flavor component depend on the controls of the temperature controller for atomization, the temperature controller for flavor and/or the flow rate adjusting unit as described above, the control unit 50 controls these as appropriate, whereby the target amount of the aerosol and the target amount of the flavor component can be achieved.

In the above-described controls 1 to 3 of the electrical load, generating the aerosol from the flavor source is not described, but the control unit 50 may control the output of the temperature controller 124R for flavor to generate the aerosol from the flavor source. To generate the aerosol from the flavor source, it is necessary to increase the output of the temperature controller 124R for flavor. In this case, the control unit 50 may be configured to control at least one of the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor based on the relationship between the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the flavor source. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may control both of the electrical load 122R for atomization and the electrical load 124R for flavor according to the relationship between the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source and the value related to the amount of the aerosol generated from the flavor source. In this case, to achieve the desired amount of the aerosol and the desired amount of the flavor, it is preferable that the control unit 50 is configured to control the temperature controller 122 for atomization (adjusting unit) preferentially before controlling the temperature controller 124 for flavor (the second electrical load). The amount of the aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 120 greatly affects the amount of the flavor component generated in the flavor source. Accordingly, it is preferable that the control unit 50 controls the electric power supplied to the temperature controller 122 for atomization according to the target value of the amount of the aerosol preferentially, and then controls the temperature controller 124 for flavor according to the target value of the amount of the flavor component. 

1. A suction component generator, comprising: a first suction component source from which a first suction component is generated; a second suction component source from which a second suction component is generated; a second electrical load configured to adjust an amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source; and circuitry configured to control electric power supplied to the second electrical load based on a value related to an amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source.
 2. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a first electrical load configured to adjust the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source, wherein the value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source is a measured value or an estimated value of the amount of the first suction component, electric power supplied to the first electrical load, a temperature of the first electrical load, or a time period during which the electric power is supplied to the first electrical load.
 3. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of a region in which the first suction component is generated, wherein the value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source is a value acquired by the temperature sensor.
 4. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein the second electrical load is a temperature controller.
 5. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the second electrical load to reduce a change in the amount of the second suction component due to a change in the value related to the amount of the first suction component.
 6. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the second electrical load to reduce a variation in the amount of the second suction component due to a variation in the value related to the amount of the first suction component.
 7. The suction component generator according to claim 6, wherein a set value of the value related to the amount of the first suction component is configured to be variable, and the circuitry is configured to control the second electrical load to reduce a change in the amount of the second component when the set value is changed.
 8. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a flow path in which at least part of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source passes through the second suction component source to reach an outlet.
 9. The suction component generator according to claim 8, wherein the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source is an amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source when at least part of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source passes through the second suction component source.
 10. The suction component generator according to claim 8, wherein the first suction component source is an aerosol source, and the second suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor component is added to aerosol.
 11. The suction component generator according to claim 8, further comprising: a first flow path that guides the first suction component to a suction port through the second suction component source; a second flow path that guides the first suction component to the suction port without passing through the second suction component source; and a flow rate adjuster configured to adjust a ratio of a flow rate of the first flow path and a flow rate of the second flow path.
 12. The suction component generator according to claim 11, wherein the circuitry is configured to: control the electric power supplied to the second electrical load and the flow rate adjuster based on a target value of the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source; and control the flow rate adjuster without controlling the second electrical load when it is determined that the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source can achieve the target value by control of the flow rate adjuster.
 13. The suction component generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a flow path in which at least part of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source passes through the first suction component source to reach an outlet.
 14. The suction component generator according to claim 12, wherein the second suction component source is an aerosol source, and the first suction component source is a flavor source by which a flavor component is added to aerosol.
 15. The suction component generator according to claim 10, wherein the second electrical load is a temperature controller, a set value of a value related to an amount of the aerosol is configured to be variable, the circuitry is configured to control the temperature controller so that the smaller the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source is, the higher a temperature of the flavor source is, and a lower limit of the set value is defined in a range in which the flavor source is not combusted.
 16. The suction component generator according to claim 1, having a plurality of modes that are determined according to a combination of a plurality of target values of a generation amount of the first suction component and a plurality of target values of a generation amount of the second suction component, and are selectable by a user.
 17. The suction component generator according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to control the second electrical load based on a relationship between the value related to the amount of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source and the value related to the amount of the second suction component generated from the second suction component source.
 18. The suction component generator according to claim 17, further comprising: a device configured to adjust the value of the first suction component generated from the first suction component source, wherein the circuitry is configured to control both of the second electrical load and the device. 